Locked Keys in Car - How to Get Help
It's a nightmare scenario that more than 4 million Americans encounter each year. Even with the most advanced technology, such as smart keys, it's possible to prevent yourself from entering your vehicle.
Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to return to your vehicle without causing any damage. Start by being calm and assessing your situation.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you lock your keys in the car, it can be a stressful situation. It is crucial to remain calm and think of a method to get back inside. You can ask a friend to help you or call roadside assistance. But, it's best to contact a locksmith to make sure you don't harm your vehicle.
There are a variety of reasons why you may lock your keys in the car. You may have misplaced the key when you sat down for a conversation or put it in the ignition. Whatever the reason, it's best to call locksmiths as they have experience with this kind of issue and can unlock your car without damaging it.
A professional locksmith can also give you advice on ways to prevent this issue from occurring again. They can provide you with tips on how to secure your keys and offer a service to unlock your car in the event of an emergency if necessary.
Always keep a spare set for your car. This will allow you to quickly access your car in the event in an emergency, and is much safer than trying to break a window to gain entry into the car.
It is an excellent idea to consult your auto insurance company about roadside assistance, since this could be a helpful way to resolve the situation in case you find yourself locked out of your car. Some companies provide this service as a part of their policies, while others charge an additional fee.
Contact towing truck
One of the worst things that could happen to you is locking your keys inside your car. It can be a frustrating and stressful time, but you must remain calm and do everything you can to help yourself.
It is important to first make sure you've locked your keys inside the car. It is possible that you do not realize your keys have disappeared from your pocket or purse until you return to your vehicle. In this case, contact a tow truck.
Another option is to contact the local police department. This isn't always the best option because a police officer is concerned about the safety of the public and the lockout of your car isn't usually considered an emergency. You can dial an emergency number and explain your situation. However, they will likely recommend that you contact roadside help or a locksmith.
Keep your spare car keys in a place that is easy to access. It could be a wallet or purse, or even a keybox that can be placed on the bottom of your car. You could also leave an extra key with your family member or friend, or enroll in roadside assistance programs which provide protection for your car lockout.
If you are locked out, do not try to open your car using tools such as an hammer and coat hanger. This could cause damage to your vehicle and could cause you to pay for two emergency callout bills.
Contact Roadside Assistance
If you're unable to get back into your vehicle and don't want to risk damaging your vehicle further call roadside assistance a good option. The cost of calling roadside assistance could be more than calling a locksmith in your area however it's worth the extra money to have a professional help you get in your vehicle.
A roadside service representative is likely to make use of various tools to pop an lock or crack it open. If necessary, they can also cut a new key for you. They can also refill your car and offer other services, such as jumping-starting dead batteries. It's always a good idea to ensure you have an extra key stored in a safe place at home or at work. You won't need to be concerned about being locked out again.
Certain car insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage with their policies. Check your policy to find out if it includes locks. If it does, they'll typically pay for all costs associated with unlocking your car. They typically do not provide protection for children or pets in the vehicle, and other services that require advanced tools, such as keys.
If you do not have roadside assistance, most locksmiths and towing companies can assist you in getting your keys out of your car. You can also call the local police department for assistance. It's important to keep in mind that 911 is only for emergencies. The police will give your call priority when you or someone else is in danger.
Contact a Friend
Locked out of your vehicle can be extremely frustrating. Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in this situation. It could be caused by simple negligence or a malfunctioning locking system. The good news is that there are a variety of solutions to help you out of this situation.
Many people keep an extra key at home or with a trusted person in case this happens. This is a great solution, but it's not 100% secure. You could lose it or forget the location you put it. It's best to avoid this problem completely by keeping an extra key somewhere that you or someone else can easily access. You can, for instance put the key in a magnetic box under your car. Another great option is to leave your key with a family member who lives in your neighborhood.
If you're a member of a service club or an auto-insurance firm, you may be able to avail the services they provide when you lock your keys in your car. These service providers have a network of experts who can assist you. These professionals can sometimes unlock your car without damaging the lock.
You can also contact authorities to seek help if you don't have an extra key. unlocking car door service may be able to help you get back into your vehicle by breaking windows or using the slim jim to unlock the door. However, it's best to keep this option in mind to use in emergencies only. It's also costly and risky, and the police are likely to see your car as an opportunity for thieves. It is usually better to call roadside assistance instead.
Contact the police
Everyone has been in this position at some time or another. It's frustrating, but it's also not a major issue, and you can get out of this mess with a little planning. It's a good idea to have an extra key available, place it in a secure place (not in the back of the seat or in the pockets of your coat) and leave the spare key with a trusted person.
In some cases it's a good idea to call the police if you have locked your keys inside your car. This is particularly true if you're in a risky location such as a crowded road or a parking lot at night. In this case, the police will often break a window and help you get out. It's expensive but it's worth it to ensure your safety.
Most of the time it is better to contact an tow-truck or locksmith rather than the police. The police are financed by taxpayers, and they should be using their funds to combat crime, not to help with personal issues. The majority of police departments also have a policy that prohibits officers from unlocking cars on the spot for free.
The best way to avoid being locked out of your vehicle is to check every door before you exit the vehicle. It's easy to be distracted or forget your keys in a hurry, which is why you should always double-check before you head out. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare and to have roadside assistance from your insurance company or AAA. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but if you do, you'll know what to do!